How to Keep Your Cool in a Crisis

Learn to prepare and to clear your head so that the crisis is handled, not fumbled.

Instructions

Step 1: Do the opposite React to a sudden emergency by resisting the urge to panic, exhibiting calm by acting as if you felt that way. Even if you don't, you can sometimes change your emotions by artificially altering your behavioral response.

Step 2: Breathe right Control your breathing and by doing so, your pulse as well. Inhale slowly through your nose and release the air on a seven count through pursed lips. This empties the lungs and the time it takes will buy enough time to relax.

Step 3: Focus on the issue Focus on getting all the information before rationally examining alternative responses. Use your head, not your impulses.

TIP: In a medical emergency, contact 911 or seek a doctor in the immediate area. Don't give CPR unless you have been trained.

Step 4: Do something If you're frozen, snap out of it. Do anything that will get the ball rolling. Set an example.

Step 5: Use humor Trust your instinct and use humor to defuse things in the short-term. Encourage everyone to take a breath and reassure themselves with a good laugh to clear everyone's mind.

Step 6: Discuss the situation with yourself Give yourself a good talking to. As if you were a trusted and objective friend who can give rational advice; ask yourself, "What's the point of worrying? What does that accomplish?"

Step 7: Plan for emergencies Prepare for your next crisis by having personal and medical information with you at all times--you can't predict a crisis, but you can prepare for one.

FACT: About 74.5 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure.